Polka Theatre Announces Premiere of The Rapping Princess and Accessible Tortoise and the Hare This May

Polka Theatre presents an exciting new season of children’s theatre in London, featuring the world premiere of The Rapping Princess alongside a fully accessible production of Tortoise and the Hare, plus interactive family workshops this May

Tortoise and the Hare – Accessible Family Theatre for All

Running from Sunday 2 May to Sunday 31 May, Tortoise and the Hare is a joyful retelling of the classic fable, created by Derby Theatre and Hiccup Theatre in collaboration with Polka Theatre.

This inclusive children’s theatre production features:

  • Integrated British Sign Language (BSL)
  • Creative captions
  • Audio description in every performance

Designed for ages 3–7, the show combines puppetry, live music, and playful storytelling to create a fun, accessible theatre experience for all families.

The Rapping Princess – A Musical Adventure for Young Children

Opening from Saturday 16 May to Sunday 21 June, The Rapping Princess is a vibrant new musical based on the children’s book by Hannah Lee and Allen Fatimaharan.

This family theatre show for ages 3–6 follows Princess Shiloh on an uplifting journey of self-discovery as she explores different music styles to find her unique voice. Packed with rhythm, energy, and feel-good messages, the production celebrates creativity, confidence, and individuality.

Staged in the Adventure Theatre, this interactive children’s show in London promises a lively, gig-style experience designed to get young audiences dancing and engaged.

Family Workshops and Creative Activities

Alongside the performances, Polka Theatre offers creative workshops for children, 26 May 0 – 12 months: 10 – 10.30am; 1 – 2 Years: 11 – 11.45am; 2 – 4 Years: 2 – 2.45pm

  • Baby Beatbox (0–4 years): A sensory session exploring rhythm, sound, and movement
  • Create an Epic Fable (5–8 years): A hands-on storytelling workshop using music and games

These sessions provide engaging family activities in London during the May half term.

Located in Southwest London, Polka Theatre is one of the UK’s leading venues dedicated to children’s theatre. Known for its welcoming environment, accessible performances, and creative learning programmes, it’s a top destination for family-friendly theatre in London.

Tickets are available now via the official Polka Theatre website.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.